Power restored to most water treatment plants

Boil water notice issued in several counties as precautionary measure

Residents in Cork, Kerry and Limerick have been issued with “boil water” warnings after the supply of clean water from treatment plants was interrupted due to electricity power outages. Photograph: Eric Luke/The Irish Times

Power has been restored to the majority of water treatment plants and pumping stations across the country after a number were affected by power cuts following Wednesday’s storm.

ESB repair crews have worked to restore power and generators have been installed in some cases where the damage to power supply is more long-term.

Thousands of householders in Co Cork, Co Kerry and Co Limerick have been advised to take precautionary measures after concerns were raised that the public water supply may have become contaminated following the recent storm.

Speaking following a meeting of the Government’s emergency weather committee this afternoon, chairman Seán Hogan said: “There is obviously the danger as water reservoirs drain down of the ingress of ground water into water mains.”

“In those areas which are still without water supply the drinking water response plan the drinking water response plan has been activated to supply water ... particularly (to) health care facilities which are still without water,” Mr Hogan said.

In Co Kerry, the council said a number of water supplies, particularly in the north of the county were impacted by the rolling power outages.

The affected areas include Ardfert North (also serves Ballyheigue), Ardfert South (also serves area north of Spa), Lyreacrompane, Glenderry and Causeway. Updates are available from alerts.kerrycoco.ie.

In Limerick, the council said “every effort” was being made to restore supply. The county council said the intermittent electricity supply meant the council was “not in a position” to guarantee that water supplies are treated to the standards required by drinking water regulations.

Boil water notices affecting 10 schemes in County Limerick were lifted last night with a further 14 being lifted this morning at Anglesboro, Kilfinnane, Bruff, Knocklong, Hospital, Bruree, Herbertstown, Jamestown, Rockhill, Kilteely, Rathkeale, Ballingarry, Foynes and Adare.

The council said this morning that the majority of the 20 public water supplies where boil water notices remain in effect serve less than 200 customers each.

A council spokesperson said: “Public water supplies at 20 other locations throughout the county will be tested during today with a view to lifting boil water notices there.”

Those with a functioning water supply have been advised to boil water before drinking. Where boiling of water is not possible, residents have been advised to use bottled water instead.

So far, supplies in Limerick City are not affected. The council said it would issue updates on lcc.ie.

In Cork, a joint statement issued by Irish Water and Cork County Council said a boil water notice was being issued “on the advice of the Health Service Executive and as a precautionary measure pending further investigation.”